Methods, systems and computer program products for providing ad insertion via a multimedia applications gateway

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing advertisement insertion to a user device are disclosed. A method includes providing a multimedia applications gateway (MAG) that is connected to an access gateway for a domain or a multimedia applications gateway that includes an integrated access gateway function, the access gateway in communication with user devices. The method also includes configuring the MAG to convert multimedia program content from a program source received at the access gateway and transmitted from the access gateway to a user device into a first communication having an open standards protocol recognized by each of the user devices, the first communication representing programming content. The method further includes configuring the MAG to convert multimedia advertising content into a second communication having the open standards protocol, the second communication representing advertising content. The method also includes retrieving the second communication from local memory, inserting the second communication within the first communication, and presenting the first and second communications on the device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No.60/979,173, filed Oct. 11, 2007, the entire contents of which are hereinincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention relate to providing electronic applicationprograms/services and content to local sites and managing a homenetwork. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate toproviding local advertisements insertion through a multimediaapplications gateway supporting a number of applications and services ina home network.

Electronic application programs are used within a home or business formany reasons to assist people in their lives by establishing particularservices. As such, the applications programs and the services theyprovide may be referred to collectively as applicationprograms/services. For example, a personal computer may contain manyapplication programs establishing services that allow an individual tointerface with the computer to perform various tasks such as wordprocessing, electronic mail, and scheduling. As more devices within ahome or business are becoming electronic, the variety of applicationprograms/services that work in conjunction with these devices is greatlyexpanding. Application programs/services now extend beyond thosetypically found on a personal computer that are focused on interactionwith the user. For example, application programs/services now exist toprovide customized control of security systems, heating and coolingsystems, household appliances, and various other systems and devices.

An existing system for managing applications in a home network isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,209,945, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference. This patent discloses an applicationservices gateway for managing various aspects of applications/services.While the existing application services gateway is well suited for itsintended purposes, additional features may be added to the existingdevice. The multimedia applications gateway extends the capabilities ofthe applications services gateway, including the integration of LANswitch and communication gateway functionality into the multimediaapplications gateway.

SUMMARY

In accordance with exemplary embodiments, methods for providingadvertisement insertion to a user device are disclosed. A methodincludes providing a multimedia applications gateway (MAG) that isconnected to an access gateway for a domain, the access gateway incommunication with user devices. The method also includes integratingthe access gateway function into the multimedia applications gateway.The method also includes configuring the MAG to convert multimediaprogram content from a program source received at the access gateway andtransmitted from the access gateway to a user device into a firstcommunication having an open standards protocol recognized by each ofthe user devices, the first communication representing programmingcontent. The method further includes configuring the MAG to convertmultimedia advertising content into a second communication having theopen standards protocol, the second communication representingadvertising content. The method also includes retrieving the secondcommunication from local memory, inserting the second communicationwithin the first communication, and presenting the first and secondcommunications on the device.

In accordance with further exemplary embodiments, systems for providingadvertisement insertion to a user device are disclosed. A systemincludes a multimedia applications gateway connected to an accessgateway for the end user device of an end user domain, the accessgateway communicatively coupled to end user devices at the end userdomain. The system also includes an application executing on themultimedia applications gateway, the application implementing a method.The method includes configuring the multimedia applications gateway toconvert multimedia program content from a program media source receivedat the access gateway and transmitted from the access gateway to atleast one of the end user devices into a first communication having anopen standards protocol recognized by each of the end user devices, thefirst communication representing programming content. The method alsoincludes configuring the multimedia applications gateway to convertmultimedia advertising content, transmitted by an advertising mediasource and received at the multimedia applications gateway, into asecond communication having an open standards protocol recognized byeach of the end user devices, the second communication representingadvertising content. The method further includes storing the secondcommunication in a local memory of the multimedia applications gateway,retrieving the second communication from the local memory, inserting thesecond communication at a location within the first communication, andpresenting the first and second communications on at least one of theend user devices.

In accordance with yet further exemplary embodiments, computer programproducts for providing advertisement insertion to a user device aredisclosed. A computer program product includes a computer-readablestorage medium having program code stored thereon, the program codecausing a computer to implement a method. The method includes providinga multimedia applications gateway (MAG) that is connected to an accessgateway for a domain, the access gateway in communication with userdevices. The method also includes configuring the MAG to convertmultimedia program content from a program source received at the accessgateway and transmitted from the access gateway to a user device into afirst communication having an open standards protocol recognized by eachof the user devices, the first communication representing programmingcontent. The method further includes configuring the MAG to convertmultimedia advertising content into a second communication having theopen standards protocol, the second communication representingadvertising content. The method also includes retrieving the secondcommunication from local memory, inserting the second communicationwithin the first communication, and presenting the first and secondcommunications on the device.

Other systems, methods, and/or computer program products according toembodiments will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art uponreview of the following drawings and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, and/or computerprogram products be included within this description, be within thescope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanyingclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings wherein like elements are identified alikein the several FIGURES:

FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are system diagrams illustrating a multimediaapplications gateway (MAG) in a digital home domain in exemplaryembodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates using a MAG in place of an existing applicationservices gateway in accordance with exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B illustrate a MAG in a television viewing scenario inexemplary embodiments;

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B illustrate a MAG in a television viewing scenario inexemplary alternate embodiments;

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B illustrate physical interfaces to a MAG in exemplaryembodiments;

FIG. 6 illustrates a MAG serving as a gateway for DLNA devices inexemplary embodiments;

FIG. 7 illustrates a home with a MAG serving as a gateway for DLNAdevices in exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 8 illustrates alternate embodiments to FIG. 6 where the MAGinterfaces with digital broadcast satellite;

FIG. 9 illustrates alternate embodiments to FIG. 7 where the MAGinterfaces with digital broadcast satellite;

FIG. 10 illustrates a home monitoring system in exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B illustrate a home monitoring system in alternateembodiments;

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram describing a process for implementing the MAGin accordance with exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 13 illustrates a system for local ad insertion in exemplaryembodiments;

FIG. 14 illustrates a home network with local ad insertion in exemplaryembodiments; and

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram describing a process for implementing local adinsertion services in exemplary embodiments.

The detailed description explains the exemplary embodiments, togetherwith advantages and features, by way of example with reference to thedrawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are directed to a multimediaapplications gateway (MAG) in a variety of installations. The MAG isinstalled as part of a digital home network and provides centralizedcontrol of the home network. The MAG may include an integrated accessgateway function. Through the MAG, the user may access proactive networkmanagement, performance monitoring and reporting, self help, improveddiagnostic capability, remote management, and other operations. The MAGprovides a consistent entertainment content experience, mass storagecapabilities and provides access to Digital Living Network Alliance®(DLNA)-compliant set top boxes (STBs) and televisions (TVs). DLNA is anorganization that provides specifications for enabling compatibilityamong electronic devices regardless of their manufacturer. The MAGarchitecture provides an open systems standards-based applicationexecution platform that a service provider can remotely administer andmanage.

FIG. 1A is a system diagram illustrating a multimedia applicationsgateway (MAG) 102 in a digital home domain 100 (also referred to hereinas end-user domain) in exemplary embodiments. FIG. 1B is a systemdiagram illustrating a MAG 102 including an integrated access gatewayfunction. Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the MAG 102 serves as a DLNAgateway supporting various sources such as Internet Protocol Television(IPTV) and Direct Broadcasting Satellite (DBS) in conjunction with DLNAcompliant devices, including STBs and TVs. FIGS. 1A and 1B illustratethe MAG 102 and various services/applications 104, devices 106 and 107,and network infrastructure 110 interfaced with the MAG 102 in anexemplary embodiment. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the MAG 102 isinstalled behind an access gateway 130, which may be an iNID/residentialgateway. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, the MAG 102 is collocatedwith the residential gateway 130.

The system of FIGS. 1A and 1B also includes a provider service domain120. The provider service domain 120 may be implemented by one or morehigh-speed computer processing devices (e.g., a mainframe computer). Asshown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a variety of applications and components inthe provider service domain 120 may be implemented to support the MAG102. An extension of a services platform (e.g., Common Architecture forReal-Time Services' (CARTS) Service Logic Execution Environment (SLEE))122 into the home of the digital home domain 100 provides the in-homeservice/application execution platform. The MAG 102 may be remotelymanaged/operated by a service provider of the provider service domain120 by using a modular design featuring common software architecture andmodular hardware components. When a customer of the digital home domain100 orders applications (e.g., services/applications 104), theseapplications are automatically downloaded to the MAG 102. In anexemplary embodiment, the MAG 102 employs open-systems standards-basedtechnology to achieve economy of scale. The MAG 102 services support awide range of applications, such as: DLNA gateway functions (e.g., wholehome digital video recording (DVR); push video-on-demand (VoD); local adinsertion; server for thin-client STBs; transcoding of digital rightsmanagement (DRM); and multi-device support); local ad insertion; homemonitoring, automation and control (e.g., video monitoring and localarchiving of streaming video; home monitoring and control; lightingcontrol and management; and energy control and management, to name afew); customer owned multimedia content storage and distribution withremote access; remote utility meter reading (e.g., electricity, naturalgas and water); IP private branch exchange (PBX); biomedical monitoring;pre-positioned multimedia content with local caching; and personalcomputer (PC) backup, to name a few.

Other components of the provider service domain 120 may include anintegrated user portal 124, supporting applications, such as operationsupport systems (OSS) and/or business support systems (BSS),collectively OSS/BSS 126, as well as other applications desired by theprovider service domain 120. The integrated user portal 124 may includea user interface that is accessible to customers, such as the customerof the digital home domain 100, and may be used to downloadservices/applications 104 and access remote monitoring services from theprovider service domain 120, as described further herein.

In an exemplary embodiment, the system of FIGS. 1A and 1B also includesan access domain 140, which may include a provider access network 142.The provider access network 142 enables access or residential gateways(e.g., access gateway 130 of the digital home domain 100) to communicatewith the provider service domain 120.

As indicated above, the MAG device 102 may be installed behind theresidential or access gateway/iNID (Intelligent Network InterfaceDevice) 130 (as shown in FIG. 1A), or may be collocated with the accessgateway 130 (as shown in FIG. 1B). The access gateway 130, in turn,provides connection via, e.g., coaxial cable, electrical and twistedpair wiring, and wireless technologies to wide range of devices via thehome networking infrastructure 110 of the digital home domain 100. TheiNID is an implementation of an access gateway wherein the accessgateway is physically installed on the outside on the home in place ofthe NID (Network Interface Device).

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram in which a MAG 202 is used in place of anexisting application services gateway, such as that described in U.S.Pat. No. 7,209,945. The application services gateway described in '945executes electronic application programs/services that allow theapplication programs/services to be managed and administered out of anetwork, e.g., the network 205, rather than locally. The applicationservices gateways are described as elements in a services deliverysystem that execute application programs/services and which control orinteract with systems and devices (e.g., devices 206) of a home (e.g.,home 200) or business.

FIGS. 3A and FIG. 3B depict a MAG 302 in a television viewing scenarioin exemplary embodiments. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the MAG302 is installed behind an access gateway 330, which may be aniNID/residential gateway. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, the MAG302 is collocated with the residential gateway 330. With reference toFIGS. 3A and 3Bt, the MAG 302 interfaces with a number of DLNA enableddevices 306 in a home (e.g., the digital home domain 100 of FIGS. 1A and1B) and serves as a DLNA gateway between a provider access network 342(and an access gateway 330) and the DLNA enabled devices 306. The MAG302 is able to terminate proprietary Conditional Access/Digital RightsManagement (CA/DRM) communications protocols 350 and convert them to anopen standards protocol 355 (e.g., Open Standards Link ProtectionProtocol). The MAG 302 may serve as a proprietary IPTV client withconversion to DLNA standard protocols 320. In one exemplary embodiment,the MAG 302 exposes electronic programming guides (EPGs) and/orinteractive programming guides (IPGs) to the DLNA enabled devices 306,such as TVs and STBs, via DLNA remote user interface standards. Inanother exemplary embodiment, the MAG 302 exposes a content selectapplication programming interface (API) to the DLNA enabled devices 306(e.g., TVs and STBs) via DLNA content discovery standards. In addition,the MAG 302 may serve secure digital media streams to the DLNA enableddevices 306 (via DLNA standards). As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the DLNAenabled devices include, but are not limited to TVs 306A, STBs 306B, PCs306E, cell phones 306D, and personal media players 306C. The DLNAdevices 306 may also be referred to herein as end-user devices as shown,e.g., in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The end-user devices listed in FIGS. 1A and 1Binclude corded IP phones, cordless IP phones, dual mode handsets,personal digital assistants, printers, and scanners, to name a few.

In an exemplary embodiment, the DLNA enabled TVs 306A communicateintelligently with the MAG 302 over an in-home network (e.g., via thehome networking infrastructure 110 of the digital home domain 100 ofFIGS. 1A and 1B), decode digital streams locally, and render an EPG/IPGper the provider's desired look and feel. In another exemplaryembodiment, the DLNA enabled STBs 306B and other devices, such asdevices 306C, 306D, and 306E, may communicate intelligently with the MAG302 over the in-home network (e.g., via the home networkinginfrastructure 110 of digital home domain, or end user domain 100),decode digital streams locally, and render an EPG/IPG per the provider'sdesired look and feel.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a MAG 402 in the context of a televisionviewing scenario in exemplary alternate embodiments. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 4A, the MAG 402 is installed behind an access gateway 430,which may be an iNID/residential gateway. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 4B, the MAG 402 is collocated with the residential gateway 430.With reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the MAG 402 provides a number ofservices including linear and non-linear TV 404 and 405, respectively,local ad insertion 407, and other services 409, e.g., home monitoring,automation and control, storage and distribution of multimedia content,biomedical monitoring, customer care, installation and repair, proactivehome network management, provider certified plug and play devices, DLNAand gateway functions, entertainment, local call processing, IPmultimedia subsystem (IMS) gateway, to name a few. Linear programmingrefers to standard television services in which a viewer watchesscheduled programming at a particular time it is offered. By contrast,non-linear programming may include video on demand (VOD), interactiveprogramming, and DVR recorded programming. In the exemplary embodimentsof FIGS. 4A and 4B, the MAG 402 interfaces with DLNA enabled devices406A-406E via an access gateway 430 (where the access gateway 430 iseither separate from, or integrated with, the MAG 402), and the accessgateway 430 directly interfaces with non-DLNA enabled devices, such as,but not limited to, a PSTN phone 407A, security devices 107B, andthermostat 407C using non-DLNA protocols. Other non-limiting examples ofnon-DLNA devices are listed in FIGS. 1A and 1B and are referred toherein as the sensor and control devices 107. The MAG 402 acts as acontroller for remote monitoring services. It connects to a network(e.g., Internet) through an access gateway (e.g., access gateway 430) tothe sensor and control devices 407 through power lines and to varioussensors and lighting controls through a wireless link at the end user'sdomain (e.g., the digital home domain 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B). Thesefeatures are described further in FIGS. 10 and 11.

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are diagrams illustrating physical interfaces to aMAG 502 in exemplary embodiments. With reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, theMAG 502 primary software application is a DLNA gateway function. The MAG502 may utilize a common software architecture with modular hardwarecomponents, support a variety of plug-in cards, and include interfacesfor attached storage and supports a wide range of applications. In anexemplary embodiment, the MAG 502 features a modular hardware designthat provides physical interface options and storage options. The MAG502 may be installed behind an access gateway 530 (as shown in FIG. 5A),which may be an iNID/residential gateway, or may be collocated with theresidential gateway 530 (as shown in FIG. 5B).

As indicated above, the MAG 502 includes a variety of hardware elements.In one exemplary embodiment, the MAG 502 includes a gigabit Ethernetinterface 560 for connection to a residential gateway (e.g., the accessgateway 530), a processor 552 and memory 553, a real-time operatingsystem 554 (shown in FIG. 5A), a virtual machine (e.g., Java® VirtualMachine (JVM) and services framework) (not shown), a dynamic hostconfiguration protocol (DHCP) client 559 (shown in FIG. 5B), Web server557 (shown in FIG. 5B), one or more hard drives 561 (shown in FIG. 5B),PCI and PCMCIA card slots 562 and 564, respectively, for plugging inoptional interfaces (e.g., AT&T® U-verse Video plug-in card or AT&T®HomeZone plug-in card), eSATA, IEEE 1394 and/or USB 2.0 ports 566 forattaching optional peripherals, such as network attached storage 568, ACplugs for AC power 570, remote management TR-069 563 (shown in FIG. 5B),dual IPv4/IPv6 stack 565 (shown in FIG. 5B), and IMS SIP (sessioninitiation protocol) Stack 567 (shown in FIG. 5B). In an exemplaryembodiment, the processor 552 executes an application for enabling theMAG 502 to communicate with the provider service network and the enduser devices which, in conjunction with the virtual machine, allow theMAG 502 to facilitate the application services described herein.

The MAG 502 may be installed out of sight in a customer's home in abasement, utility room, or closet adjacent to an AC power outlet andconnected via Ethernet to the residential gateway or iNID 530. The MAG502 may be customer installable by connecting Ethernet cable 580 to theresidential gateway 530. The MAG 502 may also support plug-and-playinstallation.

FIG. 6 illustrates a diagram of a MAG 602 in the context of a homenetwork for a home 600 in exemplary embodiments. The MAG 602 receivesmultimedia (e.g., IPTV media) routed through a residential gateway oriNID 630. In these embodiments, the MAG 602 serves as a DLNA gateway forDLNA enabled devices, such as STBs 606B, TVs 606A, and PCs 606E over,e.g., coaxial cable 681. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a home 700with a MAG 702 serving as a gateway for routing IPTV signals to DLNAenabled devices (e.g., television 706A, STB 706B, and home officecomputer 706E) over, e.g., a coaxial cable 781 in exemplary embodiments.The cable 681/781 may utilize a standards technology (e.g., HomePlug® AVor other HomePNA™-approved home networking standard) for enablingsignals, e.g., IPTV signals, to be transmitted over existing cables inthe end user domain, e.g., cable 681/781.

In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7, the MAG 602/702 isequipped with an IPTV (e.g., AT&T® U-verse Video) plug-in module (e.g.,PCI card 562 of FIGS. 5A and 5B). The MAG 602/702 operates as a DLNAgateway for DLNA enabled devices, such as the devices 606A, 606B, 606Eand 706A, 706B, and 706E. The MAG 602/702 terminates the IPTV service(one of services/applications 104 provided by the provider servicedomain 120) in the home 600/700, including DRM, and distributes theservice to DLNA compliant thin-client STBs and DLNA compliant TVs (e.g.,devices 606/706) equipped with an integrated thin-client. The MAG602/702 supports stream management, whole home DVR trick functions(i.e., playback features). The MAG 602/702 provides whole home DVR toSTBs and other IP devices in the home 600/700 and supports multipleDRMs. The MAG 602/702 performs conversions between multiple encodingformats and resolutions and can replace IPTV formats (e.g., AT&T®U-verse Video DRM) with link protection protocol for securely sendingvideo streams to different devices within the home 600/700. The MAG602/702 may send encrypted content over the Internet to devicesregistered to the same customer.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a MAG 802 in the context of a homenetwork for a home 800 in exemplary embodiments. The MAG 802 receivesmultimedia signals through a DBS feed routed to the MAG 802 over acoaxial cable 880. Embodiments are not limited to DBS sources of contentand the MAG 802 may interface with a variety of multimedia providers inaddition to DBS sources. In these embodiments, the MAG 802 serves as aDLNA gateway for DLNA enabled devices, such as STBs 806B, TVs 806A, PCs806E (e.g., devices 806). FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a home 900with a MAG 902 serving as a gateway for routing DBS signals 980 to DLNAenabled devices in exemplary embodiments.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 9, the MAG 802/902 is equipped with aDBS receiver (e.g., AT&T® Homezone plug-in module (PCI card)) andoperates as a DLNA gateway to DLNA enabled devices, such as the STBs806B/906B, TVs 806A/906A, and PCs 806E/906E. The MAG 802/902 terminatesthe DBS service in the home 800/900, including DRM, and distributes theservice to DLNA compliant thin-client devices, such as DLNA compliantSTBs and DLNA compliant TVs that are equipped with integratedthin-clients. The MAG 802/902 supports stream management, whole homeDVR, and trick functions (i.e., playback features). The MAG 802/902provides whole home DVR to STBs and other IP devices in the home,supports multiple DRMs, and is capable of conversions between multipleencoding formats and resolutions. The MAG 802/902 replaces existing DBSDRM with a link protection protocol for securely sending video streamsto different devices within the home 800/900. The MAG 802/902 sendsencrypted content over the Internet to devices registered to the samecustomer (e.g., devices within the home 800/900).

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a home (remote) monitoring system fora home 1000 (e.g., end user domain) in exemplary embodiments. FIGS. 11Aand 11B are diagrams depicting a home monitoring system for a home 1100in alternate exemplary embodiments. With respect to FIG. 10, varioussensors 1040 are employed through the home 1000 and provide sensorsignals to a gateway 1029, such as Xanboo® XG1000, via an access gateway1030, for transmission to a network (e.g., provider network 1092) and/ora wireless network (e.g., provider wireless network 1094). As shown inFIGS. 10, 11A and 11B, a provider wireless network 1094/1194 may deliversensor signals to wireless devices 1050/1150 (e.g., cell phones, PDS,laptops, etc.). Users of the monitoring service may also access thesensor signals through a remote monitor website 1090 (FIG. 10) and/or aprovider integrated user portal 1191 (FIGS. 11A and 11B) provided viathe provider service network 1092/1094/1192/1194. In this manner, an enduser may remotely monitor signals or activities detected by the sensorand control devices (e.g., thermostat 1007C/1107C, security camera1007B/1107B, and light switch 1007D/1107D). The sensors 1040/1140 may beimplemented by the sensor and control devices 107, a non-limiting listof which is illustrated in FIG. 1. The sensors may be configured todetect, e.g., motion, temperature, physical contact, the presence ofwater, the presence of carbon monoxide or smoke, biomedical feedbackdata, as well as other detectable behaviors. The sensor and controldevices 107 may also include, e.g., light switches and power modules forappliances and other items in a home. The remote monitoring serviceenables an end user to activate remote monitoring service features thatdefine a triggering event with respect to the sensors 1040/1140, suchthat upon occurrence of the triggering event, an alert or notificationis transmitted to the end user via, e.g., email or text message. Thetriggering event is a measurable aspect of the sensors, such as atemperature limit, the detection of a defined concentration of carbonmonoxide detected by a device, or any detectable motion identified by adevice. In addition, the triggering event may activate one or moresecurity cameras (e.g., device 1007B/1107B), which may, in turn, providelive video through the network of home 1000/1100 to the provider (e.g.,the provider service domain 120), for access by an end user.

As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, a MAG 1102 is used to replace the gateway1029 shown in FIG. 10 in the remote monitor service. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 11A, the MAG 1102 is installed behind an access gateway1130, which may be an iNID/residential gateway. In the embodiment shownin FIG. 11B, the MAG 1102 is collocated with the residential gateway1130. The remote monitor service system supports a wide range ofapplications with network-attached storage, including archivingstreaming video. The home networking infrastructure includes a broadbandmultimedia network, which is OFDM-based (i.e., orthogonal frequencydivision multiplexing-based), such as HomePlug® AV, G.hn or other typeof network that is designed for transmitting high-definition television(HDTV) and Voice-over-IP (VoIP) communications around the home 1100. Thenetwork infrastructure may also include narrowband management andcontrol using, e.g., ZigBee technology.

Turning now to FIG. 12, a flow diagram describing a process forimplementing the multimedia access gateway services will now bedescribed in an exemplary embodiment. At step 1202, a multimedia accessgateway (e.g., MAG 102) is connected to an access gateway (e.g., 130)for the end user domain of the application services (e.g., theembodiment shown in FIG. 1A) or a multimedia applications gateway thatincludes an integrated access gateway function (e.g., the embodimentshown in FIG. 1B). The access gateway is communicatively coupled to enduser devices (e.g., devices 106/107) at the end user domain.

At step 1204, the multimedia applications gateway is configured toconvert network communications of a selected application service that isdownloaded to the access gateway and transmitted from the access gatewayto at least one of the end user devices into communications having anopen standards protocol (e.g., DLNA) recognized by each of the end userdevices.

At step 1206, the selected application service is executed via a virtualmachine (e.g., Java™) operating on an operating system (e.g., OS 554) ofthe multimedia applications gateway. At step 1208, activities occurringin response to execution of the selected application service aremonitored by the MAG application.

FIG. 13 illustrates a system for local ad insertion in exemplaryembodiments. As shown in FIG. 13, a super/master head end (SHO) 1301, orcentral head end, serves as a source for multimedia program content(also referred to herein as a first communication), such as a nationalchannel multicast source. The content is distributed to MAGs (e.g., MAGs1302) at consumer locations via an access gateway (e.g., iNID 1330 ofFIG. 3), and through existing broadband (BB) 1303, video head end (VHO)1305, intermediate offices (10) 1307, and central office (CO) 1311pathways. A MAG 1302 at a customer location has access to a localadvertisement database 1309 that stores various local advertisements.The MAG 1302 executes a client application to interface with one or moreadvertisement distribution servers, e.g., SHO 1301, to receiveadvertising content (also referred to herein as a second communication).The MAG 1302 also executes an ad insertion application to retrieveadvertisements from the database 1309 based on a number of factors. Theadvertisements may be pushed to the ad database 1309 periodically (e.g.,weekly) and relate to local and/or national events, sales, promotions,etc. As the geographic location of the MAG 1302 is known, regionallytargeted advertisements may be pushed to the ad database 1309. Ads(i.e., second communications) are retrieved from the ad database 1309 bythe MAG 1302 during scheduled advertisement time slots and inserted intomultimedia (i.e., first communications) distributed by the MAG 1302 toDLNA enabled STBs or TVs 1306. Ads may be retrieved and inserted basedon a specific demographic profile for that customer. The demographicprofile may be based on age, household income, previous purchasingbehaviors, etc.

FIG. 14 illustrates a home network 1400 with local ad insertion inexemplary embodiments. The MAG 1402 receives IPTV video 1415 through aniNID unit 1430, such as a residential or access gateway. It isunderstood that embodiments of the invention are not limited to IPTVcontent, and the MAG may receive and distribute media from other sourcessuch as DBS. The MAG 1402 executes a client application to interfacewith one or more advertisement distribution servers. The MAG 1402 alsoexecutes an ad insertion application to insert advertisements from thead database 1409 based on conditions provided from the advertisementprovider. Ads are retrieved from the ad database 1409 by the MAG 1402during scheduled advertisement time slots and inserted into multimediadistributed by the MAG 1402 to DLNA enabled STBs or TVs 1406. The MAG1402 serves as a gateway for routing IPTV signals to DLNA enableddevices 1406 over, e.g., coaxial cable 1481 in exemplary embodiments.The cable 1481 may utilize a standards technology (e.g., HomePlug® AV orother HomePNA™-approved home networking standard) for enabling signals,e.g., IPTV signals, to be transmitted over existing cables in the enduser domain, e.g., cable 1481.

Turning now to FIG. 15, a flow diagram describing a process forimplementing local ad insertion will now be described in exemplaryembodiments. At step 1502, a multimedia applications gateway (e.g., MAG102) is connected to an access gateway (e.g., 130) for an end userdomain of the end user device (as shown, e.g., in FIG. 1A) or amultimedia applications gateway that includes an integrated accessgateway function (as shown, e.g., in FIG. 1B). The access gateway iscommunicatively coupled to end user devices (e.g., devices 106/107) atthe end user domain.

At step 1504, the multimedia applications gateway is configured toconvert multimedia program content from a program media source receivedat the access gateway (and transmitted from the access gateway to atleast one of the end user devices) into a first communication having anopen standards protocol recognized by each of the end user devices. Thefirst communication represents programming content.

At step 1506, the multimedia applications gateway is configured toconvert multimedia advertising content, transmitted by an advertisingmedia source and received at the multimedia applications gateway, into asecond communication having an open standards protocol recognized byeach of the end user devices. The second communication representsadvertising content.

At step 1508, the second communication is stored in a local memory ofthe multimedia applications gateway. At step 1510, the secondcommunication is retrieved from the local memory, inserted at a locationwithin the first communication, and at step 1512, the first and secondcommunications are presented on at least one of the end user devices.

The detailed description explains various exemplary embodiments,together with advantages and features, by way of example with referenceto the drawings. As described above, the exemplary embodiments can be inthe form of computer-implemented processes and apparatuses forpracticing those processes. The exemplary embodiments can also be in theform of computer program code containing instructions embodied intangible media, such as floppy diskettes, CD ROMs, hard drives, or anyother computer-readable storage medium, wherein, when the computerprogram code is loaded into and executed by a processor, the processorbecomes an apparatus for practicing the exemplary embodiments. Theexemplary embodiments can also be in the form of computer program code,for example, whether stored in a storage medium, loaded into and/orexecuted by a computer, or transmitted over some transmission medium,loaded into and/or executed by a computer, or transmitted over sometransmission medium, such as over electrical wiring or cabling, throughfiber optics, or via electromagnetic radiation, wherein, when thecomputer program code is loaded into an executed by a computer, thecomputer becomes an apparatus for practicing the exemplary embodiments.When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, the computerprogram code segments configure the microprocessor to create specificlogic circuits.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplaryembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the inventionnot be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed for carrying outthis invention, but that the invention will include a number a variousembodiments. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do notdenote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc.are used to distinguish one element from another. Furthermore, the useof the terms a, an, etc. do not denote a limitation of quantity, butrather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

1. A method, comprising: providing a multimedia applications gateway that is connected to an access gateway for an end user domain of an end user device, the access gateway communicatively coupled to the end user device, and the multimedia applications gateway is co-located with the end user device at the end user domain; configuring the multimedia applications gateway to convert multimedia program content from a program media source received at the access gateway and transmitted from the access gateway to the end user device into a first communication having an open standards protocol recognized by the end user device, the first communication representing programming content; configuring the multimedia applications gateway to convert multimedia advertising content, transmitted by an advertising media source and received at the multimedia applications gateway, into a second communication having the open standards protocol recognized by the end user device, the second communication representing advertising content; storing the second communication in a local memory of the multimedia applications gateway; and retrieving the second communication from the local memory, inserting the second communication at a location within the first communication, and presenting the first and second communications on the end user device; wherein the multimedia advertising content is directly received at the multimedia applications gateway from the advertising media source, and the multimedia program content is received at the multimedia applications gateway via the access gateway.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the location is determined by conditions defined by the advertising media source.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the program media source is an Internet Protocol television provider.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the program media source is a direct broadcasting satellite.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the access gateway is communicatively coupled to the end user device via the multimedia applications gateway using wireless fidelity protocols.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the end user device is enabled for communications having the open standards protocol, the end user device comprising a cell phone.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the multimedia advertising content transmitted by the advertising media source is directed to a demographic profile associated with the end user domain.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the demographic profile is based on age, household income of the end user domain, and previous purchasing activities of members of the end user domain.
 9. A system, comprising: a multimedia applications gateway connected to an access gateway for an end user device of an end user domain, the access gateway communicatively coupled to the end user device, and the multimedia applications gateway is co-located with the end user device at the end user domain; an application executing on the multimedia applications gateway, the application implementing a method, comprising: configuring the multimedia applications gateway to convert multimedia program content from a program media source received at the access gateway and transmitted from the access gateway to the end user device into a first communication having an open standards protocol recognized by the end user device, the first communication representing programming content; configuring the multimedia applications gateway to convert multimedia advertising content, transmitted by an advertising media source and received at the multimedia applications gateway, into a second communication having the open standards protocol recognized by the end user device, the second communication representing advertising content; storing the second communication in a local memory of the multimedia applications gateway; and retrieving the second communication from the local memory, inserting the second communication at a location within the first communication, and presenting the first and second communications on the end user device; wherein the multimedia advertising content is directly received at the multimedia applications gateway from the advertising media source, and the multimedia program content is received at the multimedia applications gateway via the access gateway.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the location is determined by conditions defined by the advertising media source.
 11. The system of claim 9, wherein the program media source is an Internet Protocol television provider.
 12. The system of claim 9, wherein the program media source is a direct broadcasting satellite.
 13. The system of claim 9, wherein the access gateway is communicatively coupled to the end user device via the multimedia applications gateway using wireless fidelity protocols.
 14. The system of claim 9, wherein the end user device is enabled for communications having the open standards protocol, the end user device comprising a cell phone.
 15. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having program code stored thereon, the program code causing a computer to implement a method, comprising configuring a multimedia applications gateway, which is connected to an access gateway that is communicatively coupled to an end user device of an end user domain, to convert multimedia program content from a program media source received at the access gateway and transmitted from the access gateway to the end user device into a first communication having an open standards protocol recognized by the end user device, the first communication representing programming content, and the multimedia applications gateway is co-located with the end user device at the end user domain; configuring the multimedia applications gateway to convert multimedia advertising content, transmitted by an advertising media source and received at the multimedia applications gateway, into a second communication having the open standards protocol recognized by the end user devices, the second communication representing advertising content; storing the second communication in a local memory of the multimedia applications gateway; and retrieving the second communication from the local memory, inserting the second communication at a location within the first communication, and presenting the first and second communications on the end user device; wherein the multimedia advertising content is directly received at the multimedia applications gateway from the advertising media source, and the multimedia program content is received at the multimedia applications gateway via the access gateway.
 16. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein the location is determined by conditions defined by the advertising media source.
 17. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein the program media source is an Internet Protocol television provider.
 18. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein the program media source is a direct broadcasting satellite.
 19. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein the access gateway is communicatively coupled to the end user device via the multimedia applications gateway using wireless fidelity protocols.
 20. The system of claim 9, wherein the multimedia applications gateway includes a cellular back-up plug-in module. 